Carrwood Primary commended by Ofsted for being “a calm oasis” where pupils thrive.

Carrwood Primary School has been recognised by Ofsted for the strength of its pastoral care and pupils' personal development and wellbeing, following the school's first full inspection since joining Leading Learners Multi Academy Trust in July 2023.

Inspectors judged personal development and wellbeing to be a strong standard, meaning leaders are working well above the standard expected of them. Curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, and leadership and governance were all judged to meet the expected standard. Safeguarding standards were also met.

Nicola Malt, Headteacher at Carrwood Primary School, said: “We are incredibly proud that inspectors recognised the strength of our pastoral care and the nurturing environment we have built for our pupils and their families.

“Care for our pupils extends well beyond the classroom, and it means a great deal to see that reflected in this report. A happy child that feels safe and welcome is one who is ready to learn!”

Inspectors praised leaders' pastoral work to support families in vulnerable circumstances, describing it as “to be commended”, and noted that leaders “act swiftly to meet urgent needs and remove barriers to pupils' wellbeing and engagement in education”. Relationships between staff and pupils were described as “consistently positive and characterised by warmth, trust and respect”.

The report also highlighted a number of strengths, including:

• The pupils benefit from a rich programme of trips, visits and extracurricular
• activities, including residential experiences and opportunities linked to the arts,
• sport and cultural enrichment.
• Leaders have designed a broad and ambitious curriculum that is well planned and sequenced from nursery to Year 6.
• Leaders have prioritised the early years. They are determined to give the children in their care the very best start in life.
• Leaders have established a positive culture of inclusion where all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged are valued and supported to succeed.
• Across the school, staff create nurturing environments and adaptations that enable pupils to feel safe, regulate and engage positively with learning.
• Leaders are passionate about the pupils of Carrwood and get to know them and their families really well. They understand the complex community they serve and work tirelessly to engage families and the local community in the life of the school.
• Leaders have established a positive culture of behaviour. Pupils behave well and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning

Staff told inspectors that Carrwood is “a very special place”, where they feel that “they really make a difference to the lives of the children”. Trust leadership and school governors were also praised, with inspectors noting that leaders provide appropriate support and challenge and governors visit school regularly and ensure safeguarding is always a priority.

Inspectors identified attendance and behaviour, and achievement, as areas needing attention, and recognised that leaders have an accurate understanding of these areas and are already taking action to address them.

Miss Malt added: “Inspectors recognised that we have an accurate and honest understanding of where we need to keep improving, particularly around attendance and outcomes at the end of Key Stage 2.

“We have already introduced additional maths lessons, handwriting support and catch-up activities, and we are working closely with families to improve attendance. We are determined to keep building on the strong foundations this report recognises.”

Yvonne Brown, CEO of Leading Learners Multi Academy Trust, said: “The Carrwood community should be rightly proud of their combined efforts to make the school such a special place where every child is seen, valued and included, as reflected in this report.

“The school is on an upward trajectory and is working with pace and purpose, supported by the Trust, to further strengthen attendance and attainment for all pupils. We look forward to seeing their continued success.”